BIR BILLING PARAGLIDING: A Bird Flying over the Dhauladhar Mountain

In Dharamshala, Paragliding can be done in two regions, one at Dharamshala for just 0 to 5 minutes and one at BIR BILLING- 70 Kms from Dharamshala for 20 to 30 minute But Bir Billing is considered as the 2nd best place for paragliding in the World and the best in India. Many foreign pilots travel to Bir Billing every year in the month of October and November. Due to the increasing popularity, Bir Billing hosted 1st Paragliding World cup of India in Oct 2015. In this paragliding world cup, pilots from 135 countries had participated.Paragliding in Billing gives completely new feeling as you see yourself-flying like a bird over the Dauladhar mountain ranges

Go Back in History: Going back in the history, Bruce Mills from New Zealand was among those to introduce Hangliding at Bir Billing in early 80’s but the trees at the Lower areas made the landing difficult. Later some French introduced Paragliding here and then many pilots started attracting towards Bir Billing. Then after, the govt. connected Bir Billing with motorable road, which boosted paragliding as a popular sport here.

Finally i reached there after a sumptuous breakfast we were good to go .I was nervous as the wind was strong and the height from which the jump was to be taken was quite an elevation ( 9000 Ft from sea level, and approx 4500 Ft from Bir). Though there was apparent excitement besides the fear. i was trying to overcome the fear of jump into an unknown deep valley. i was making the seemingly last phone call to home and sing few line of Hanuman chalisa to gain strength. The preferred weight for the gliding person should be between 45 – 85 Kgs and minimum age is 14 years officially. We had arranged co pilots prior to jump.The person weighing the most was asked to take the first jump. We all were made wear helmets to our size and a briefing was done by the instructor. I was Fifth in queue. The take off has series of action. The parachute has to be played at the back fully spread and strings need to be checked for entanglement. Once done the occupant has run along with parachute at a certain speed raising the parachute to the air and once fully inflated parachute the air takes over the control taking the occupant into flight mode with gaining of altitude initially. I attempt took me to sky and a gush of air took the parachute and myself to a reasonably good height. I could see the take off spot below as I was stuck in an air bout which resulted in gaining of height instead of descent. The phenomenon is called thermal. Its a stream of hot air which take the paragliders to a height raising the altitude instead of losing it.The experience was mind-boggling as you are suspended in air with no visual distraction towards the valley below. The moment you see down you realize there is nothing to stop you in case of fall. But the experience was so enthralling that soon you forget your fear and get enchanted to the view below and ahead. After few minutes in flight and getting accustomed to the new environment Always Remeber to took mobile or camera to catch this amazing moment.

The Air journey Billing to Bir while paragliding can be smooth or at times rough depending on wind conditions. One has to overcome self, fear and just enjoy the breath-taking view of Himalayas while in air suspended with strings to a parachute. Bir Billing paragliding is an experience to be a part of your Bucket List and as things to do before you die.

Fee:

Paragliding price:- For short flight INR 2500 Per Person. Paragliding price:- For long flight INR 4500 Per Person. Duration:- 10 to 30 mins. Operational to travel:- October to May. Best Time to visit:- October to November and March to May

Additional INR 500 for HD video by GOPRO for paragliding flight.

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